Recently viewed deals

VoIP: The complete beginner’s guide

VoIP - also known as internet telephony, IP telephony, or broadband phone - is a way of making phone calls that, believe it or not, doesn’t use a phone line. So how does it work? Read on and we’ll take you through the basics.

What is VoIP and how does it work?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In
layman's terms, it refers to making phone calls that are made
through the internet, rather than through a regular landline or a
mobile network.

A VoIP system works by taking your analogue voice signals,
converting them into digital signals, then sending them as data
over your broadband line.

It's a very useful way of making calls - for a start, once it's
set up it's a lot cheaper than using normal phone lines. It means
that, depending on your setup, you may not have to pay for your
phone calls based on distance, which country you're calling, or how
much time you spend chatting.

Your VoIP system could be:

With a phone and a VoIP adapter - Using a
special adapter, you can make VoIP calls from a regular old
landline phone. These adapters plug into either a phone socket in
the wall or into your router. VoIP from Hyperoptic works like this - it
provides an adapter that plugs into its HyperHub.

With a computer - There are dozens of programs
that let you make voice calls to anyone who also has it installed,
including Skype, Google Talk, and Apple FaceTime. Some, such as
Skype, can be used to call regular landline or mobile numbers too.
Calling someone else who has the app is free, but calling an actual
phone number will usually cost a little.

With a smartphone - You can use your
smartphone to make voice calls using certain apps. See below for
more on how this works.

Some broadband and home phone
providers offer VoIP as part of their services, so they may do
things a little differently. It's the standard form of phone line
from Hyperoptic, for example, and VoIP is available as part of
almost any business broadband or phone
package. Either way, your provider will give you all the info you
need.

What equipment do I need?

The exact equipment you need depends on which method of VoIP
you're using.

The first thing you'll need is a broadband connection -
preferably a fibre optic one so it's more
reliable, and preferably an unlimited one so you can talk as much
as you need to. You'll get the absolute best VoIP experience
possible with a full FTTP (fibre to the premises) or an ethernet
connection, which are available with some business broadband
providers.

For VoIP with an adapter, you'll need… a VoIP adapter (of
course), and a compatible phone. If it plugs into a router, you'll
need a compatible router too.

For VoIP with a computer, you'll need… a laptop or desktop
computer with an internet connection, the right software, and
either a headset or speakers and a microphone. Headsets are better
for clarity and sound quality, and have the added bonus of sparing
everyone around you from hearing your whole conversation, but you
can get by just fine without.

For VoIP with a smartphone, you'll need… a smartphone,
connected to Wi-Fi and with your chosen app
installed.

Some VoIP providers may do things differently, and might require
specific equipment. Contact your provider for more info on this -
and don't worry, they'll provide you with everything you need to
get started, and guide you through the setup when you sign up.

VoIP on smartphones

There are two kinds of app you can use for VoIP on your
smartphone.

Firstly, there are apps that you can use to call other people
who have the same app. There's Skype, FaceTime, Viber, Line,
WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and dozens more. Some, like Skype and
Viber, will even let you call a regular landline or mobile number -
though bear in mind this will usually cost money.

Other features include being able to call someone on any device
(smartphone, tablet, laptop, and so on), free video calling, and
sometimes even group calling - because who wouldn't want a
conference call with their Facebook friends?

The other kind of VoIP apps are ones from landline providers.
These are pretty clever, as they let you make calls that use the
calling minutes included in your home phone plan. So if you have
inclusive weekend calls, or super cheap international calling, you
can reap those benefits from your smartphone too - even when you're
not at home.

Generally, you'll need to be connected to Wi-Fi for it to work.
Phone calls over mobile broadband, also known as VoLTE, are a
different beast entirely - and if you don't have unlimited data, they'll really eat
into your allowance.

Pros and cons of VoIP

Pros: The main advantage of using a VoIP
service is that it can be a heck of a lot cheaper than regular
landlines, especially for calling overseas. With certain setups, in
fact - like using FaceTime - it's completely free.

It can also give you much clearer sound, especially on a
high-speed fibre optic line. And, if a bunch of people in your
household or office need to make calls at the same time, it's a
better option than splashing out on installing multiple phone
lines.

Cons: On the other hand, your call quality
on VoIP will be affected by the state of your broadband line - slow
internet can mean rubbish phone calls. That said, so long as you're
using a fibre optic line, all should be okay.

There are also quite a few things available with a landline
phone that are missing from VoIP. A lot of landline providers offer
calling features, for instance - like voicemail or call waiting.
And some numbers can't always be called over VoIP, such as
directory inquiries.

FAQ

Can I keep my old phone number?

It depends on your VoIP setup. Most specific VoIP providers,
including Hyperoptic, let you port your old number over. Some,
however, may require a new one.

For most VoIP apps and software, you'll need to register and
sign into your own account, so a phone number isn't always
necessary. As long as you can sign in on the app, your contacts can
call you.

How much does it cost?

Again, it depends on your setup. VoIP calling app-to-app is
almost always free; calling a landline or mobile number may cost a
little; and other VoIP services, including those from Hyperoptic or
business providers, require a monthly fee.

Should I get rid of my landline?

For the majority of providers, you need line rental to receive
broadband anyway, so you may have no choice but to keep it.

If you rely on being able to make phone calls, ever have to call
numbers not available through VoIP, or use features only available
on landlines, it's worth keeping a landline around as back-up. If
you only make calls very occasionally, however, you could get away
with having none at all. Read our guide
to landline-free broadband for more info.

This website uses "cookies" to give you the best experience and to make it function correctly. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please read our Cookie policy. Using this website means you consent to their use but you can change your cookie settings at any time by following this link.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.